Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

Below are a list of 3 vital keys to success every barber, hairstylist, and shop owner should try to implement in their profession.

1. The Importance of a Clean Station

Having a presentable station is indispensible to your success in a salon or barbershop.

The first thing it expresses is that you are clean, neat, and organized.  In our business precision is key; and being neat and clean go hand in hand with that precision. It also shows you care about your work and your clients.

Another thing to take into consideration is hygiene.  With the constant mention of Swine Flu and other illnesses and diseases, as well as bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus, many people are paranoid about becoming ill. Wiping down and disinfecting your station and chair will not only ensure the safety of your clients, but will protect you as well.

Your tools should also be properly disinfected between haircuts, and your Barbicide should always be clean and filled. Having a spray sanitizer on hand is also essential because if anything is dirty or not properly sanitized the state could fine you.

Aside from all these practical reasons, cleanliness is very attractive to clients and is another great way to increase business.

2. Greeting customers

One of the most substantial elements of a successful business is the first impression that is offered to clients.

The first step to making a positive first impression is in the way that you and your receptionists greet the customers. Making the customers feel comfortable, welcomed, and appreciated will not only boost your chances of gaining repeat clientele, but also increase the likelihood that they will speak highly of your business to friends and family; and we all know that reputable word-of-mouth is one of the best forms of advertisement out there.

Another important factor to consider is the way you address certain groups or classes of people. You wouldn’t walk up to an elderly woman and start using slang terms that she doesn’t understand, yet with a younger client, using slang terms that make the client feel at ease and friendly with you is very appropriate.  Always be conscious of the client and his/her energy.

When you finish with a client, it’s helpful to offer a firm handshake, keep eye contact, and wish him/her a nice day or weekend etc.  This all means a lot, as it’s how you secure your customers that separates yourself from other stylists/barbers and makes the difference in the client’s eyes.

Of course, always try and remember your clients’ names as well.  This will make them feel valued and cared for, and is well worth the effort. Taking a look at the appointment book before the client arrives or keeping a printout of your appointment schedule at your station are excellent ways to keep track of your clients.

Taking the extra step to be friendly and polite allows the entire shop to operate in a smooth and professional manner. Anyone and everyone who enters or even just passes by your place of business should be acknowledged with a smile and an amiable hello.

3. Listen to Your Clients

In our profession we are often looked to for advice on..

• style
• popular restaurants
• nightlife venues
• sporting events
• you name it

It’s always best to try and help as much as possible. The people you advise will hopefully speak highly of you and thus promote you and your business. Although advising clients is common in our trade, there are times when we may be presented with something which goes far beyond our scope of practice.

The following is a true story and I hope that no one ever has to deal with something as severe as this, but I think it will serve as a good example for anyone who may be presented with a similar scenario in the future.

A few years ago, a younger client began coming into my shop every other week. I would offer him guidance in style or general advice in life from time to time. He seemed a bit troubled to me, so I casually tried to steer him in the right direction to keep him out of trouble. He came from a very difficult family situation and unfortunately had no one to look up to. One day, when he was about 17, he pulled me aside and asked if we could speak privately.

“Things got worse around my house. I have to move out but I don’t make enough money.” he began.

I listened intently to everything he had to say, but soon the conversation took a serious turn.

“I almost took a whole bottle of pills last night.” he confided.

“What are you trying to do?” I asked in vain. I already knew the answer.

“I almost wanted to kill myself, but then I thought about you and all the things you would say to me.” he expressed.

I was stunned. I never imagined I could have such an impact on another person. After that day I continued to give him advice and be there for him whenever he came in. He’s almost 21 now, has his own place, and is doing well.  He comes in almost every week, leaves great tips, and always tells people about me and the shops I own. All this simply from our regular chair talk when he gets a fresh cut.

My advice is to always listen to your clients. Helping someone is one of the most rewarding experiences and we are lucky enough to work in a field that provides us with opportunities to help people on a regular basis. However, if I didn’t genuinely listen to my friend, I would have never provided the help he needed.

I know it sounds like a lot of responsibility and clearly, if it gets too serious you may have to contact the authorities, but you could help guide someone or maybe just brighten their day. Whatever you provide for that person, I guarantee they will help you in return by promoting your business.

A successful barber/stylist not only creates excellent hair cuts, but great relationships as well.

I recently watched a documentary entitled, “I Like Killing Flies” about a restaurant owner in NYC.

His business reminded me a lot of mine in that he touched people’s lives through his cooking and brightened their days. His place meant a lot to it’s patrons, as does mine, and he was a bit rough around the edges. However, he cared about his customers and watching the documentary inspired me to write this blog.

Although at times it may feel otherwise, we are barbers and stylists, not psychiatrists, but as I mentioned previously, just by listening and offering a small amount of input, you could make a difference in someone’s day, and maybe even in their life.

What keys to success are vital to you?

In the comments below, feel free to add any vital keys to success for the hair profession you may have encountered that we did not mention. We’d love to hear about them and create the ultimate list for barbers, stylists and shop owners!